Frequently Asked Questions

Your pet will be collected in a climate-controlled, state of the art vehicle by a Dogtainers pet handling specialist and transported to premium holding facilities before travelling. At the appropriate time, your pet will be transported to the airport and a Dogtainers handler will be waiting at the other end to carefully courier the pet to its final destination.

When you choose airport to airport pet travel you are arranging for Dogtainers to book your pet on a flight using their discounted freight rates. A crate for your pet will be available at the airport 90 -120 minutes before travel..

With Dogtainers extensive national network of professional pet travel consultants you can confidently receive information of the many and varied levels of service. Simply contact Dogtainers to discuss your requirements.

Major airports servicing domestic flights require pets to be at the airport 90 – 120 minutes before departure. Dogtainers travel consultants will confirm with each booking the time you are required to be at the airport as well as address to ensure your pet is presented within the requirements of the airline they are travelling on. Should your pet be travelling internationally your professional sales consultant will advise all details in regards to your pets’ movements prior to departure.

Preferably not. Pets that are under sedation can become dehydrated, disorientated and have travel sickness. It also makes it more difficult to assess a pet’s health on arrival. For dogs and cats that are particularly anxious Dogtainers can recommend other ways to ensure that your pet is as relaxed as possible prior to travel.

Pets travel in a compartment which is usually at the rear of the plane. Pets travel in a temperature controlled environment that is set to approximately 18deg by the captain of the flight. The compartment is pressurized in the same way the passenger cabin is and is dimly lit. With the gentle hum of the aircraft pets often spend the time dozing before reaching their destination

Small soft toys are allowed to travel with your pet. In the event of turbulence, you do not want hard objects in the crate which may potentially cause harm. Comfort items such as some of your personal (unwashed) clothing or a familiar blanket can create a sense of security. Please note: Customs prevents natural products from travelling i.e sheepskin or wool. Items such as bean bags, pet food, bones, and anything metal, are all strictly prohibited on flights. Important documentation not required for transport should be mailed to the receiver and not attached to travel container as separation of the documents makes it extremely difficult to trace.

Every airline has to abide by a set of standards and regulations with pet travel, it is best to contact Dogtainers to discuss the airline you intend to travel on prior to purchasing passenger tickets. This will enable you to make an informed decision on which airline you can travel on and suitable flights on offer with the preferred airline.

Once lodged at the airline terminal for the flight the airline staff place your pet in a special waiting area. Your pet will be last to be loaded onto the flight to avoid any lengthy waits in the elements on the tarmac. On the flight the pets are secured into positon in the temperature controlled, pressurized area. Unfortunately, while in transit the aircraft configuration doesn’t allow for an airline staff member to check on your pets.

Pets are the first off the plane and are then taken to the cargo terminal. If your pet is transiting a particular airport on route to their final destination Dogtainers staff will provide a comfort stop if time allows or the airlines will check to see that your pet is travelling well and ready for the next leg.

It is critical to your pets wellbeing when travelling that your pet travels in a crate that is suitable for them. This means a crate that is not too small but also means a crate that is not too big. A crate that is too big for your pet can mean if the flight has some turbulence your pet can become unsettled. Dogtainers are experts in being able to select the correct size for your pet. All crates used by Dogtainers comply with IATA specifications and are therefore approved by the airlines. Dogtainers has extensive information on travel crates at www.dogtainers.com.au/crate-info/

Dogtainers have a network of privately owned and approved agent boarding facilities in many destinations, please contact your Dogtainers office to discuss the requirements for entry, local pricing and availability particularly in peak seasons. Dogtainers can also offer many other services whilst in board such as exercise plans, hydro bathing and grooming services, please call to discuss.

Dogtainers can handle as much or as a little of a service as you may need. We can offer a full door to door service meaning your pet will be collected from your residence in one of our climate controlled vans, taken to boarding or directly to the airport depending on the flight schedule and collected and delivered at the destination. In the case of international travel this would also include the customs clearance and other requirements in the destination country

We also offer other services including Airport to airport or depot to depot depending what you may need. Please see our pet travel services page for more details.

The first rule to follow is that you stay relaxed. Pets can sense stress in humans and it makes them uneasy, particularly if there is a change in the air like a move interstate or overseas. When you send your pets with Dogtainers, you can trust that your pets will be given the highest standard of care. All decisions we make for your pet regarding the routing , day and time of travel, crate size and other relevant items are based on ensuring the highest level of welfare for your pet. Check out our tips on preparing a pet for travel. www.dogtainers.com.au/pet-travel-perparation/

Want to know more? Learn about our Care Code

RSPCA Partner.

Dogtainers offices around Australia partner up and work with the RSPCA helping to reunite pets with people.

Members of IPATA

We are members of IPATA (International Pet and Animal Transport Association), which ensures that we have trusted travel partners in every country of the world to ensure Any Animal, Anywhere, Anytime philosophy is maintained with the same high levels of care that we offer.